Answers to Your Questions About Orthodontics in Anaheim, CA

We offer several treatment options to patients depending on their needs and goals.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the traditional orthodontic treatment option. They consist of brackets and an archwire, which guides the teeth into their proper position.

Porcelain Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, this treatment option is similar to metal braces. However, the brackets are made of porcelain to blend with the natural color of the patient’s teeth.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® clear aligners are extremely popular because they’re virtually invisible. Like with traditional braces, the clear aligners guide the teeth into their ideal position.

It depends on your needs and goals. Some patients don’t like the look of metal brackets, while others don’t care. Another consideration is the complexity of your case. While clear aligners work for most patients, they’re not the best fit for everyone, especially more extreme cases.

Patients with misaligned bites need orthodontic treatment in Anaheim, CA. Signs of malocclusion include the following:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Buckteeth
• Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Jaw pain

Most patients are good candidates for orthodontic treatment. However, some conditions limit the type of treatment a patient can receive.

For example, someone with gum disease might not be a good candidate for braces, as it’s easier for plaque to build up around the brackets.

There’s really no age limit when it comes to orthodontic care. We can treat children as young as seven and adults in their 90s or beyond if they are healthy and can care for their orthodontic appliances.

On average, orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 36 months. How long you’ll need care depends on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose.

Patients in braces need to visit their orthodontist every four to six weeks. Invisalign® patients see their orthodontist every six to 10 weeks (but they change their aligners every one to two weeks).

During these appointments, the orthodontist will evaluate progress, adjust as needed, or provide patients with new aligners.

Some soreness is common when first starting treatment and after adjustment appointments. Ice, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain medication can help if this happens.

Patients don’t need to avoid playing sports or instruments when receiving orthodontic treatment in Anaheim, CA. Some adjustments might need to be made to play comfortably, and a sports mouthguard is always recommended.

What Foods Should You Avoid?

Avoid the following foods when in braces:

• Gum
• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Hard rolls
• Bagels
• Pizza crust
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Hard crackers/chips
• Ice
• Corn on the cob
• Hard, crunchy veggies

Treatment with braces or clear aligners can cost between $3000 and $8000. The cost depends on:

• The type of treatment you need (porcelain braces cost more than metal)
• The complexity of your case
• How long you’ll need treatment

Insurance typically pays a portion of orthodontic treatment for patients under 18.